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Where to buy and set off fireworks in Metro Vancouver

Firefighters across Metro Vancouver are warning Halloween revellers to comply with fireworks bylaws in their municipalities.

Firefighters are warning buyers to steer clear of illegal online sales

Maryse Zeidler · CBC News ·
Many municipalities across Metro Vancouver don't allow fireworks to be sold or set off. Those that do have several regulations in place. (CBC)

Firefighters across Metro Vancouver are warning Halloween revellers to comply with fireworks bylaws in their municipalities.

Only a handful of cities and districts in the region allow the sale and/or discharge of fireworks during Halloween and many have additional restrictions in place. 

"We've opted to remove barriers and enable people to buy safe, legal fireworks and give them the tools to buy them safely and legally," said Jonathan Gormick, public information officer with Vancouver Fire and Rescue.  

"We think that's working out better than an outright ban in Vancouver."

Gormick says bylaw officers in Vancouver have already issued a ticket to one retailer who wasn't checking for permits or proof of age. 

Officers have also noticed several online listings for fireworks — a practice Gormick says is both illegal and risky. 

"We've seen some illegally available fireworks on Craigslist already this year that are very, very dangerous that are being misadvertised as firecrackers whereas they're actually industrial explosives," he said.

"Buying on Craigslist is just about the worst thing someone can do for complying with bylaws but also for their own well-being."

Municipalities that allow fireworks 

Burnaby

  • A $100 low-hazard fireworks permit is required to buy, possess and set off fireworks.
  • The permit is only available to anyone 19 and older. 
  • Fireworks can only be set off on Halloween, and only on private property.

Delta

  • A $200 permit is required to set off fireworks and it must be obtained at least 10 days in advance.
  • The permit is only available to anyone 19 and older. 
  • The permit application must include a fireworks safety plan and proof of general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $5,000,000.

New Westminster

  • Residents 18 and older can possess low-hazard fireworks between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1.
  • Fireworks sales aren't allowed in the city. 
  • Fireworks can only be set off between 4 p.m. and midnight on Halloween.
  • Roman candles aren't allowed. 

North Vancouver - District of

  • Fireworks can be purchased from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31.
  • A $2 permit is required and is available to anyone 19 or older.  
  • Fireworks can only be set off between 6 p.m. and midnight on Halloween, on private property.​

Port Coquitlam

  • Fireworks can only be set off on Halloween until 11 p.m., on private property. 
  • A $30 permit is required; permits are available for sale until 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28.
  • It's illegal to sell fireworks in Port Coquitlam. 
  • Firecrackers and/or nuisance fireworks are not allowed.

Port Moody

  • Fireworks can only be set off on Halloween night by residents 18 and older, on private property.
  • Firecrackers and/or nuisance fireworks are not allowed.
  • Fireworks can be purchased between Oct. 24 and Oct. 31. 

Vancouver 

  • A free permit is required to buy, possess, and set off fireworks for anyone 19 and older. 
  • Fireworks sales can only take place between Oct. 25 and Oct. 31.
  • Fireworks can only be set off on Halloween, and only on private property.
  • Firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles are not allowed. 

West Vancouver

  • Anyone 18 or older can buy fireworks, which are available for sale between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31. 
  • A $5 permit is required; permits are only available until Friday Oct. 28. 
  • Fireworks can be set off on Halloween from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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